How can I charge my UK electric toothbrush in the USA?
In the UK electric toothbrushes and razors are usually supplied with BS 4573 plugs.
What's the easiest way to charge a UK electric toothbrush in the USA? Using a BS 4573 to regular British rectangular 3 pin (BS 1363) and then a further BS 1363 to US adaptor?
Specifically, my toothbrush is the Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush Powered by Braun. Here's a photo of the base of the charger:
Best Answer
Look at the underside of the charger to see if the voltage range includes 110 Volts. If it is 220-240V only it is very unlikely to work in the USA with just plug adapters. Unfortunately, Oral-B chargers only come with limited voltage ranges, see pictures below.
You could buy a 110->230V voltage converter, but it might be cheaper and/or easier to go to a US drugstore, buy the cheapest Oral-B toothbrush having a charger that looks like yours and use that charger in the USA. I did this for travel with an older Philips toothbrush (the newer models have a wide-voltage travel charger).
As promised, here's the 3757 charger from Mexico (North America) and Germany (Europe) -- especially take note how both are Type: 3757 and yet have different power needs.
Pictures about "How can I charge my UK electric toothbrush in the USA?"
Can I charge my electric toothbrush abroad?
If your charger is a USA 110v you can purchase an Oral-B 220v charger which can be used overseas, instead of using a voltage converter. The charger will work in most European countries that have the two round plug ends.Do I need a voltage converter for my electric toothbrush?
You can use that charging stand. If the country's voltage is 110v and your charger states only 220-240V then this will not work, you will require a voltage adapter/converter. Some electric toothbrushes come with premium travel cases that allow the brush to be charged in the case, rather than on a charging stand.Can I use my electric toothbrush in USA?
You need to use an Oral-B 110v charger which can be bought locally. Be aware that the plug style may be different in other countries. In case you visit a country that has a different plug style, like USA/Canada, we recommend purchasing a plug adapter.Which electric toothbrush is dual voltage?
Yes, Sonicare toothbrush is dual voltage.How To Charge An Electric Toothbrush
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Answer 2
Yes, your European charger is likely to work with a simple plug adapter.
Experimentation beats calculation:
Right now I am in Japan, with 100 V and 60 Hz, so even lower voltage than the 120 V in the US. I have the same charger, marked type 3757, 220-240 V, and it seems to work perfectly. The toothbrush charged from one to two lights overnight, which is about the same (slow) speed as back home in Sweden (230 V, 50 Hz), and the house didn't burn down. The charger is not warm, and I am fairly confident the house will keep not burning down.
(Trust me. I am an engineer, with lots of vague memories from courses about electricity thirty years ago.)
Answer 3
@RedGrittyBrick's insightful answer has made it clear that even with a plug-converter, your toothbrush won't charge. Therefore:
You can buy this voltage converter from Amazon. It will convert the 110V to 220V. I found it on US Amazon, so you can order it there and have it shipped to whatever adress you'll be staying at in the US, so that it arrives roughly at the same time as you.
It costs 9 USD, but that's cheaper than a new toothbrush or charger. And you can use it for other devices as well.
You may have to use it in conjunction with a plug-converter.
Answer 4
The easiest solution, by far, is to forget the charging sockets and the power socket converters, and just take a normal toothbrush. You can pick one up at your local supermarket for less than £1, and it will take up substantially less room in your luggage to boot.
If you can't find a regular toothbrush with the same level of special magic contours that you're used to (though you should be able to; they're commonplace) then remember, you're not going away forever!
Answer 5
An electric toothbrush needs to be replaced quite often as the battery wears down. Most have a lifetime of about 1.5 years before they need to be replaced (after that they operate as well as a dull razor).
Get a new one of the same brand in the US and use the supplied charger. Use the new toothbrush with your old charger when you get home.
Answer 6
Take it, it will still work. I am in the USA now with my AUS 240VAC charger plugged into USA 110VAC outlet and it is charging my toothbrush fine. The little trick I use is, place the toothbrush on the charging dock and then turn on the toothbrush. It will start, then stop and start charging :)
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